Billions of people wear corrective lenses to improve their vision. In fact, it’s estimated that about half of Americans currently wear some kind of eyeglasses. Though spectacles have bettered countless lives over the centuries, an age-old issue remains. They still tend to fog when exposed to warm air and water vapor. This can be frustrating, especially during winter months or when wearing a face mask. Some avoid this by simply switching to contacts, but that’s not always an option.

What Causes Glasses to Fog?

The term “fog” actually refers to condensation. Think back to chemistry 101 and you’ll recall that this happens when a gas changes into a liquid state. Condensation often occurs when a gas like water vapor comes into contact with a cold surface. In many cases, your breath is much warmer than your glasses and can cause them to fog when you exhale. For those who wish to keep their glasses fog-free, we have some suggestions. 

1. Improve Air Flow

Glasses can quickly fog due to a lack of air circulation. If they rest too close to your eyes, heat and moisture will be unable to escape. Try to avoid exhaling directly upwards to give warm air a chance to dissipate. Pushing glasses away from your face will also enhance air flow and reduce fog buildup. This is especially helpful when working outside, wearing a mask, or breathing heavily. If this feels uncomfortable or makes it tough to see clearly, it may be time for a new pair of glasses. Consult your optician to find a set which fits your face properly. 

2. Handle with Care 

Condensation tends to form easily on scratches. Tiny nooks, crannies, and smudges are great places for moisture to build up. Avoid this by taking care of your glasses as best you can. Keep them in a protective case or sleeve when you aren’t wearing them, and be careful not to drop them. Always rinse lenses with warm water or cleaning fluid before wiping them with a new microfiber cloth. This will reduce your chances of scratching them with dirt and debris. Also, try to keep your glasses warm and with you at all times, as cold glass fogs much more quickly. 

3. Try Anti-Fog Products 

Various wipes and sprays can help to curb eyeglass fog. These professional, short-term solutions may be just what you need to avoid issues during the day. They work by creating a thin film which spreads water droplets more evenly across a lens’s surface. Anti-fog products are fairly inexpensive can even prevent dust from sticking to your lenses in the first place. Unfortunately, their effects won’t last forever, and they must be reapplied to remain effective. If you’re looking for a long-term option, ask your optician about anti-fog lenses. These glasses are embedded with water-wicking top layers that can last for years. 

4. Use Soap or Shaving Cream

Believe it or not, another quick fix for lens fog may already be in your cabinet. A bar of soap can help in a pinch and provides benefits similar to true anti-fog products. Try applying a small dab of white soap or shaving cream before polishing your lenses and letting them dry. Buff off any excess to create a clear protective coating on either side. This residue will guard against moisture and changing temperatures for a few hours. While not a permanent solution, this trick can be a lifesaver if you’re on the road or out of your favorite cleaner.



Eyeglasses improve the lives of billions of people around the world. When you can keep them from fogging, these accessible interventions will serve you when you need them most. If you have questions about glasses, anti-fog lenses, or eyewear in general, we’d love to discuss your concerns in detail. We offer a variety of services and have an optical dispensary on site in Lincoln, Nebraska, for all your fitting needs.